WO2004037588A2

WO2004037588A2 - Convertible roof for vehicle and associated vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2004037588A2
Application number: PCT/FR2003/003077
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gérard Queveau; Paul Queveau; Jean-Marc Guillez
Original assignee: Heuliez
Priority date: 2002-10-18
Filing date: 2003-10-17
Publication date: 2004-05-06
Also published as: US7255385B2; ATE473879T1; DE60333385D1; WO2004037588A3; US20050269832A1; AU2003301533A1; EP1567378B1; EP1567378A2; AU2003301533A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a convertible roof for a vehicle and the associated vehicle. The inventive roof comprises at least one front roof element (2) and a rear roof element (5) which can move between a deployed position, in which they cover the passenger compartment, and a storage position, in which they are stored in the boot of the vehicle. The roof also comprises two pivot arms (14, 15) which each pivot along an axis (A, B). The invention is characterised in that the roof comprises motorization means (34, 35), first means of locking the pivot arms (14, 15) to the post of the windshield of the vehicle and second means of locking at least one front roof element (2) to the pivot arms (14, 15). According to the invention, the first and second locking means and the pivoting movement of the arms (14,15) are controlled by the same motorization means (34), such as an electric motor.

Description

CONVERTIBLE ROOF FOR VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED VEHICLE

This includes a retractable roof for a vehicle, as well as a vehicle comprising such a roof. A retractable roof makes it possible in particular to transform a vehicle of the coupe or sedan type into a vehicle of the convertible type.

For this purpose, a characteristic here relates to such a roof comprising a front roof element, an intermediate roof element and a rear roof element, these three elements being movable between a covering position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a storage position in the rear trunk of the vehicle, position in which they are preferably side by side (a position superimposed substantially horizontally being in particular provided).

FR-A- 2 816 248 discloses a retractable roof comprising several roof elements.

The displacement of the rear element towards the trunk is controlled by a slide extending inside the rear trunk in which is engaged a finger secured to the rear part the rear element on the other hand by a pivoting arm articulated in a fixed point of the vehicle body and articulated to said rear element.

The front, intermediate and rear elements comprise a very flat central zone, a sheet metal or a window and, on their lateral sides, two massive zones whose height is significant relative to the thickness of the central zone.

The front, intermediate and rear elements are connected to each other by articulated levers.

During the retraction of the roof in the trunk, the various elements are superposed one above the other and the assembly is driven towards the trunk by the oscillation and the sliding of the rear element towards the trunk.

Document DE 44 35 222 also discloses a retractable roof comprising at least three front, intermediate and rear roof elements, as well as two pivoting arms placed in overlapping position on either side and along the front element.

In the covering position, the two arms extend from the front of the intermediate element to the rear of the windshield. The pivot axes are located on the front of the intermediate element. During retraction, the two arms fold in the extension of one another along the intermediate element.

This type of system has the disadvantage that the stacking of roofs once stored in the rear trunk of the vehicle occupies a large volume due to the height of the intermediate and front roof elements in the first case and of the intermediate element in the second case. And the height of the stacking of the roof elements is due to the stacking of the lateral zones of the roof elements. Also, according to another characteristic, there is proposed here a retractable roof in which the height of the stack of roof elements is reduced by overcoming the constraint imposed by the height of the lateral zones.

More specifically, it is advisable in this context that, if the aforementioned arms (which therefore define, in a spaced apart position, longitudinal structural crosspieces between which extends at least the element - or rigid panel - of the front roof) are provided, they are pivotally mounted on the rear roof element between the covering position where they extend between the front end of the rear element and the rear of the windshield, on either side and the along the front roof element, and the storage position where they overlap transversely to the plane of symmetry of the vehicle. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the roof further comprises an intermediate roof element, the arms then extending, in the overlapping position, on either side and along the front and intermediate roof elements . Also, in a preferred embodiment which saves space in the longitudinal direction (axis X) and a relatively simple mechanism, the arms pivot around non-parallel axes of rotation.

Thus, only the central zones of the front and intermediate roof elements are superimposed with the rear element, which significantly reduces the height of the stack. The arms are folded at the front of the rear element. A significant gain in volume is then achieved and makes it possible to have a trunk whose useful volume is greater and of easier access. In addition, the invention gives more possibilities for the positioning of the rear element in the rear boot and therefore for the choice of the respective lengths of the different elements. In a particular embodiment, the displacement of the rear element can be controlled on the one hand by a slide extending inside the rear trunk in which is engaged a finger secured to the rear part of the rear element d on the other hand by a pivoting arm articulated at a fixed point of the vehicle body and articulated to said rear element.

The front element can be connected to the intermediate element by at least two levers articulated to said front element and to said intermediate element and the intermediate element can be connected to the rear element by at least two levers articulated to said intermediate element and to said element back. According to another embodiment, two series of superimposed lateral rails for the front and intermediate roof elements can extend along the arms and along the two interior lateral parts of the rear element in the covering position. Each slide can include two slide sections, a first slide section being placed on one of the arms, the second slide section being placed on the inner side portion of the rear member corresponding to said arm.

The front and intermediate roof elements may each comprise at least two fingers carried on their lateral sides, each slidably engaged in a lateral slide so as to guide the sliding movement of the front and intermediate roof elements one under the other and under the rear element. Another object of the invention is a motor vehicle comprising a retractable roof as described above.

Concerning another innovative aspect, which can be dissociated from the previous one, we also know from FR-A-2 820 692, means for locking the roof elements together and with the amount of the vehicle windshield. Such locking means are in particular suitable for a retractable roof comprising roof elements extending over the entire width of the roof. In the case of a retractable roof comprising pivoting arms, in the covering position, it is essential that the roof elements and the pivoting arms are fixed relative to one another and relative to the amount of the windshield. It is therefore proposed here to provide effective locking means for a retractable roof comprising pivoting arms making it possible to reduce the height of the stack of roof elements by overcoming the constraint imposed by the height of the lateral zones. To this end, it is more precisely proposed that a retractable roof, of the type already presented, with pivoting arms, or such that it includes motorization means, first means for locking the pivoting arms on the amount of the windshield. of the vehicle and second locking means of at least the front roof element on the pivoting arms, the first and second locking means and the pivoting of the arms being controlled by the same motorization means such as an electric motor. In a particular embodiment, the first and second locking means are controlled by drive rods extending inside the arms driven in rotation by the motorization means.

The first locking means of each arm on the amount of the windshield may comprise a pivoting locking hook cooperating with a fixed complementary locking member secured to the amount of the windshield, the pivoting of each pivoting locking hook being able to be controlled by a nut mounted on a threaded part of one of the rods driven in rotation by the motor means.

The second locking means may advantageously comprise a projection carried on screwing means engaged with a drive rod, said projection being movable in translation on the screwing means and intended to be positioned inside a corresponding cavity in one of the arms when the roof is locked.

The means for retracting the elements of the roof may comprise a threaded pivot rod with an axis coincident with the axis of one of the pivot arms placed in engagement with the drive rod so that the rotation of the locking rod causes the pivot rod to rotate.

In one embodiment, the arms can pivot along non-parallel axes of rotation. Thus, only the central zones of the front and intermediate roof elements are superimposed with the rear element, which significantly reduces the height of the stack. The arms are folded at the front of the rear element. A significant gain in volume is then achieved and makes it possible to have a trunk whose useful volume is greater and of easier access. In addition, more possibilities are given here for the positioning of the rear element in the rear boot and therefore for the choice of the respective lengths of the different elements.

In a particular embodiment, the displacement of the rear element can be controlled on the one hand by a slide extending inside the rear trunk in which is engaged a finger secured to the rear part of the rear element d on the other hand by a pivoting arm articulated at a fixed point of the vehicle body and articulated to said rear element.

The front element can be connected to the intermediate element by at least two levers articulated to said front element and to said intermediate element and the intermediate element can be connected to the rear element by at least two levers articulated to said intermediate element and to said element back.

According to another embodiment, two series of superimposed lateral rails for the front and intermediate roof elements can extend along the arms and along the two interior lateral parts of the rear element in the covering position. Each slide can include two slide sections, a first slide section being placed on one of the arms, the second slide section being placed on the inner side portion of the rear member corresponding to said arm. The front and intermediate roof elements may each comprise at least two fingers carried on their lateral sides, each slidably engaged in a lateral slide so as to guide the sliding movement of the front and intermediate roof elements one under the other and under the rear element. A motor vehicle comprising such a roof is here again targeted. In combination with, or independently of the above, a retractable roof system (also called “retractable”) is also concerned here for a fixed or mobile structure, in particular for a motor vehicle.

However, there is known from FR-A-2 798 327 a retractable roof system for a vehicle consisting of at least two rigid roof panels, respectively a first front roof element and a second central (or intermediate) roof element secured to one another by sliding means arranged in such a way that the front panel is movable between a closed position in which it covers the passenger compartment and an open position in which it is, after sliding towards the rear, superimposed at the central panel. This system comprises two parallel slides, each in an arcuate shape, fixed to the vehicle body (or structure) and each extend between preferably a point close to the front of the central panel and a point close to the bottom of the rear trunk of the vehicle and therefore to the end of the vehicle, the central panel comprising members cooperating with the slides to guide its movement along these this. A problem which we aim to solve in this context is to remedy the drawbacks of space and maneuverability of the aforementioned system, with the aim of increasing the storage space remaining in the rear boot, once the roof is stored, this if necessary in conjunction, possibly with a tilting rear window (in particular tilt-and-slide) belonging or not to said aforementioned movable parts of the roof.

A vehicle is therefore proposed comprising:

- seats located towards the rear of the passenger compartment, and a storage space behind these seats,

a vehicle structure locally defining a roof which has a closable opening and a retractable roof, this roof comprising at least two parts (or elements) rigid and movable relative to said structure, respectively a first front part and a second rear part,

- first displacement elements to which said roof parts are linked during at least part of their movement, between a deployed position, reached by displacement forwards and in which these parts cover the passenger compartment, substantially aligned one behind the other, and a folded position reached by displacement towards the rear of the vehicle and in which said parts are offset with respect to each other and retracted behind the seats, at least some of these roof parts then being arranged in a first storage position, - and additional displacement elements that engage at least those of said roof parts arranged in their said first storage position, to move if necessary these roof parts to a second storage position different from the first. These additional displacement elements can in particular move the roof parts from a first storage position (which may be substantially vertical) to a second storage position (which may be substantially horizontal). Advantageously, the additional displacement elements will be mounted movable relative to the structure of the vehicle and relative to the first displacement means, the roof parts arranged in the first storage position emerging from the first displacement means while engaging the additional displacement means to be movable from their first position to their second storage position. Such a roof system can improve the storage space available at the rear in the trunk.

According to a preferred additional characteristic, the first displacement elements will comprise two sets of parallel arcuate runners, linked to the structure of the vehicle, each set extending between an area located at the front of said second rear part, respectively by and other of the opening for receiving the roof parts, and an area located in said roof storage space in the folded position, behind the seats, said roof parts being linked to the slide assemblies, during at least part of their movement, by sliding connection means arranged in such a way that said first and second roof parts are movable between their said deployed and folded positions.

Preferably, each set of slides and the additional displacement elements which are linked to it will further advantageously define a first front part of the slide extending between a point situated at the front of said rear roof part and a point close to the edge. upper rear of said seats, and a second portion of slide extending between substantially said upper edge of the rear of said seats and a point close to the bottom of the rear trunk of the vehicle, near the rear of these seats, in the lower part of the roof storage space, each second slide part being mounted movable relative to the structure of the vehicle and to the corresponding first slide part and being linked to said roof parts concerned, when they arrive in their second folded position and that these parts are then engaged with the second parts of slides and released from the first parts of e slides, to bring these roof parts into their said superimposed position substantially horizontal. Such a retractable system allows precise guidance of the roof parts between their closed position above the passenger compartment and their open position (stored at the rear) in which the roof parts can be stored in a substantially position. vertical or a substantially horizontal position. According to another characteristic, it is also provided that: - in the deployed position of the roof parts, these are interposed, one behind the other between, at the front, the windshield which is fixed to the structure of the vehicle, and a rear element (which can be retractable) including the rear window,

- And, in the horizontally stored position, the front and central panels are preferably either arranged in the upper part of said roof storage area, or in the lower part, in a bottom clearance of the storage space.

According to another aspect, relating to a storage method, it is also advisable to store the sunroof behind the seats:

- a) starting from a closed state of the roof in which the two roof parts cover the passenger compartment, while being substantially aligned one behind the other, to move these roof parts to the interior of the storage space, for some at least up to a first storage position,

- b) then again move the roof part (s) concerned to a second position different from the first and preferably located either at the top or at the bottom of the rear roof storage area .

Yet another innovative aspect, to be considered in combination or not with the above, relates to a sunroof system for a motor vehicle provided with a structure (or chassis), the sunroof system comprising at least one panel (or element ) of the front roof and a rear roof panel (or element), said roof panels being movable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction (typically the longitudinal direction of advance of the vehicle) between:

* a flush position in which the panels are arranged substantially at the same level both, the front roof panel then being located in front of the rear roof panel, in said longitudinal direction, * and a position offset in height in which the roof panels are arranged at least partially one above the other.

From such a known system, an aim is here to propose a reliable sunroof system, relatively simple mechanically, at a cost price compatible with mass production in conjunction with automobile manufacturers, and which avoids the problems. coordination encountered in the movements of the panels ensuring efficient and reliable kinematics.

This is why it is proposed here that the above system is in particular such that:

- one of the front and rear roof panels comprises a group of front levers and a group of rear levers mounted articulated with respect to this roof panel, for switching between:

* a low position in which the panel concerned is substantially flush with a surrounding part of the vehicle structure, * and a high position in which said panel concerned is offset in height relative to the level of its flush position,

at least one of said roof panel comprising the groups of levers and the other panel which may, if necessary, comprise drive means for driving the groups of levers and one of the panels:

* either from front to rear, over a distance ensuring the passage of the roof panel concerned from its flush position to its offset position,

* either from rear to front, over said distance, but in the opposite direction, to ensure passage of this same roof panel from its offset position to its flush position, and

- the groups of levers engage, preferably under the possible control of said drive means, guides (typically grooves or slides) extending essentially substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction, these guides being suitable for: * during the controlled movement of front to rear of the groups of levers, guide their tilting from the flush position of the corresponding panel to its offset position,

* and, during the controlled movement from the rear to the front of these same groups of levers, guide their tilting from the offset position of the corresponding panel to its flush position.

To further promote the achievement of the goals set just above, with a mechanism that is at the same time relatively simple, efficient and reliable, another characteristic advises that the lever groups (s) comprise, individually, an angled lever comprising a first branch articulated in rotation on the corresponding roof panel and fixedly connected by an elbow to a second branch, which engages one of said guides, for its guided drive.

Still for the same purpose, and by taking advantage of the already known use of sliding means of the "slideway" type, another characteristic provides that the guides of the levers equipping the roof panel (s) concerned. advantageously comprise slides in which these lever groups slide, the slides having deviations locally extending obliquely with respect to the horizontal and with respect to said longitudinal direction, over a length sufficient to receive, individually, a portion of 'one of said lever groups, so that once engaged in these deviations, the groups of levers concerned pass, by pivoting, from one of their high or low positions towards the other.

Another problem taken into account here relates to the way of moving between these high and low positions each element and roof panel concerned, taking into account of the position of the adjacent roof panels and of the adjacent structure of the vehicle (with respect to which it may typically be desired that in the closed position of the roof panels, these come substantially flush with the surrounding body structure, in particular at the level windshield). For this purpose and possibly in combination with the above, another innovative feature provides that advantageously the (each) slide (or groove) in which slides the roof panel (or element) concerned has, along its length, in the direction longitudinal of the vehicle, at least a first downward forward inclination and a second rearward inclination also downwards, these front and rear inclinations being spaced longitudinally by a distance corresponding to the longitudinal spacing between the (said groups of) front and rear levers of the roof panel concerned, so that the (groups of) levers can either engage in it, in the low position of this roof panel (typically position slid forward towards the windshield), either disengage during a sliding towards the rear of this panel, access by one of the rear levers to the second rear tilt corresponded nte being conditioned by the position of a rocking lever (or rocker) placed in the slide and which:

* in a first position, prohibits access to the second rear tilt and therefore imposes a sliding of the roof panel in the high position, * and in a second inclined position, across the slide, authorizes the rear lever of the element roof to enter where to exit the second rear tilt. For the sake of reliability, efficiency and cost limitation, it is further advised that each rocker lever includes a front lever portion and a rear lever portion located respectively in front of and behind its pivot axis, which is transverse to the direction of elongation of the slide, each tilting lever extending, in its second position, parallel to the direction of the slide, along a lower zone thereof, thereby directly closing the access to the second inclination rear, by its rear portion. Each lever (groups of levers) front and rear above being engaged in the corresponding slide by means of a front slide and a rear slide belonging to their second branch, the length of this second branch (distance between the two slides) will preferably be substantially equal to the length of the deflection of the slide where it engages, this length being further adapted to the movement of the "rockers". Furthermore, the front portion of each rocker will preferably extend, and will tilt, under the slide, in front of the second rear tilt, this front portion then having a front edge bent upward which passes, during a tilting, to through a opening in the slide to cooperate with the front bend of the roof panel concerned.

Note also that the rear portion of each rocker will have a lower surface advantageously defining part of the contour of said second rear tilt, in the inclined position of this rocking lever.

Yet another innovative aspect dealt with here relates to a method for operating the rigid panels of the sunroof, so as to ensure a fluid, precise movement and under significant safety, reliability and efficiency conditions, this on the basis of a simple mechanism, efficient and achievable in series for the automotive industry. In this context, the proposed method provides:

- that the opening of one of the roof panels by sliding backwards in the slides causes the said (groups of) front and rear levers to exit from the corresponding deviations while the rocker is in its second inclined position, concomitantly an upward tilting of said panel, in connection with the planned articulation of the (groups of) levers,

- that the continued sliding towards the rear of said roof panel causes the rocker to tilt towards its first position, under the effect of a thrust exerted on it by a lever (from the group of levers) before,

- and that when sliding in the opposite direction, towards the front, of the same roof panel, the rocker swings back towards its second inclined position under the effect of a push, exerted by the front lever concerned, on its edge front bent upwards, this "return" tilting causing the retraction (out of the slide, preferably) of the front bent edge of said rocker and the opening of access to the second rear tilt, thus allowing the lever concerned (of the lever group (s)) to engage when the lever concerned (of the lever group (s)) arrives in the first forward tilt of the slide.

Other peculiarities and innovative advantages will become apparent in the description below and in the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting example, where: FIG. 1 is a top view of a vehicle comprising an innovative retractable roof;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the front, rear and intermediate roof elements during retraction; Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the pivoting of the arms relative to the rear roof element;

Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the roof elements of Figure 1 in the storage position in the trunk; Figure 5 is a perspective view of all roof elements being retracted;

Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 further comprising the two arms;

Figure 7 is a front view corresponding to Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the roof illustrating locking means; Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the first means for locking an arm on the amount of the vehicle windshield;

Figure 10 is a schematic top view of the second locking means of an arm on a roof element;

Figure 11 is a schematic view of the contact between the threaded part of a locking rod and a pivot axis of an arm;

Figure 12 is similar to Figure 4 but illustrates another arrangement of storage of the roof elements in the rear trunk;

Figure 13 is a side view of the roof elements and arms according to a second embodiment; Figure 14 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the roof elements in the storage position in the trunk according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a part of a vehicle provided with a roof in several storage configurations,

Figures 16,17,18 illustrate the superposition of the roof elements of the previous figure according to one embodiment, as well as a locking system.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the guide means according to FIGS. 16 to 18,

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the drive means according to FIGS. 16 to 18,

FIG. 21 is a cross section of the slide system according to the plan

XXII / XXII of the fιgure l5, and Figures 22,23,24 illustrate the superposition of the roof elements of Figures 15 and following, according to another embodiment. In the following description for any part of the vehicle, the rear is defined with respect to the rear of the vehicle, namely the trunk where the folding or retractable roof 1 is stored, the front being defined accordingly.

The vehicle described being symmetrical, the left side and the right side of any part of the vehicle will be described indifferently as the lateral side.

FIG. 1 represents a vehicle comprising a retractable roof 1 comprising four rigid roof elements: a front roof element 2, two intermediate roof elements 3, 4 and a rear roof element 5 movable between a covering position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a storage position in which they are stored inside the rear trunk of the vehicle.

According to other embodiments not shown, the roof may include no intermediate element, only one, or on the contrary more than two intermediate elements. As seen in Figure 2, the rear of the rear element 5 comprises a finger 6 engaged in a slide 7 extending inside the trunk of the vehicle. At one point 8 of the rear element is articulated one end of a pivoting lever arm 9. The other end of the lever arm 9 is articulated at a fixed point 10 to the vehicle body. The lever arm 9 and the slide 7 are intended to drive the movement of the rear element 5. The rear element 5 is also connected to the intermediate element 4 by means of two pairs of levers. On each lateral side, two levers l ia, 11b are articulated on the one hand at the front of the rear element 5 and on the other hand at the rear of the intermediate element 4. The intermediate element 4 is in further connected to the intermediate element 3 by means of two pairs of levers. On each lateral side, two levers 12a, 12b are articulated on the one hand at the front of the intermediate element 4 and on the other hand at the rear of the intermediate element 3.

Finally, the intermediate element 3 is connected to the front element 2 by means of two pairs of levers. On each lateral side, two levers 13a, 13b are articulated on the one hand at the front of the intermediate element 3 and on the other hand at the rear of the front element 2. In known manner, the displacement of the the rear element 5 towards the rear trunk causes the displacement of the intermediate element 4 on the rear element 5, the displacement of the intermediate elements 3 and front 2 respectively on the intermediate elements 4 and intermediate 3. Thus, in the storage position shown in FIG. 4, the front element 2 is above the intermediate element 3, the intermediate element 3 is above the intermediate element 4, itself being above the rear element 5.

With reference to FIG. 1, in the overlapping position, two pivoting arms 14, 15 extend along the lateral sides of the roof elements 2, 3, 4 between the front of the rear element 5 and the rear of the screen 16 vehicle breeze.

The arms 14, 15 are pivotally mounted each along an axis of rotation A, B, located on the front of the rear element 5. The axes of rotation A, B are non-parallel.

When the roof is retracted, shown in FIG. 5, the two arms 14, 15 pivot around their axis of rotation A, B from a longitudinal position (roof covering position) to a transverse position (storage position of the roof).

The axes of rotation A, B being non-parallel, the movement of the arms 14, 15 takes place in two distinct planes so that the arms 14, 15 can overlap.

Depending on the orientation and the placement of the axes A, B on the rear element 5, the arms 14, 15 are superimposed one above the other, or placed one in front of the other or other.

In the storage position, shown in Figure 6, the arms 14, 15 overlap along the front of the front roof elements 2, intermediate 3, 4 and rear

5. The arm 14, 15 are located in the front part of the trunk opposite the opening zone of said trunk. Thus, in this position, the height above the rear element 5 corresponds to the height of the superposition of the intermediate elements 3, 4 and before 2.

The overall height of the roof elements 2-5 is less than in the case of retractable roofs without pivoting arms 14, 15.

The distance Dl between the rear of the rear element 5 and the bottom of the boot opening area is therefore greater.

Similarly, the assembly formed by the roof elements extending less low towards the bottom of the trunk, the freed volume makes it possible to obtain a larger useful trunk volume.

On each side of the trunk, the passage of the rear wheels of the vehicles use part of the volume of the trunk. For vehicles with a retractable roof, the volume used by this wheel arch is a major constraint. The roof here overcomes this problem and even allows to release a height D2 between the top of the wheel arch and the assembly formed by the roof elements in the trunk. Furthermore, the presence of arms 14, 15 independent of the front 2 and intermediate roof elements 3, 4 makes it possible to move only the front roof element 2 or the front 2 and intermediate roof elements 3 or else front roof elements 2 and intermediate 3, 4 so as to provide the vehicle with a sunroof. With reference to FIG. 8, in the overlapping position, the front 2 and intermediate roof elements 3, 4 are locked on either side to the arms 14, 15 by locking means which can be constituted by the first and second locking means illustrated.

In this case, each arm 14, 15 comprises a motor 34 comprising two shaft outlets and located substantially in the middle of the arm. On each side of the motor 34 extend two parts of drive rods 35a, 35b to each end of the arm 14, 15.

The rod parts 35a, 35b are controlled in rotation by the motor 34.

The rod part 35a extends from the motor 34 to the windshield 16. The rod part 35b extends from the motor 34 to the pivot axis A, B of the arm 14, 15. With reference to In FIG. 9, the rod part 35a comprises a threaded part 36 on which is mounted a nut 37.

The nut 37 comprises a finger 38 engaged in a groove 39 formed in the base of a pivoting hook 18. The pivoting hook 18 is capable of engaging with a locking cavity 40 fixed to the amount of the windshield 16. The pivoting of the hook 18 is controlled by the translation of the nut 37, itself controlled by the rotation of the rod 35a.

With reference to FIG. 8, the second locking means allow the roof elements 2-4 to be locked on the arms 14, 15.

The second locking means comprise a screw rod 41 located in the arm 14, 15 on which is mounted a nut 42 carrying a projection 43 (fig.lO). The rotation of the screwing rod 41 causes the projection 43 to translate into a cavity 44 placed in one of the roof elements 2-4.

The screw rod 41 is engaged with the drive rod 35a, 35b so that the rotation of the drive rod 35a, 35b causes the rotation of the screw rod 41 and the locking / unlocking of the roof element 2-4 with the arm 14.15.

With reference to FIG. 11, the rod 35b is engaged with a pivot rod 45 of pivot axis A, B of the arms 14, 15. The rod 35b and the rod 45 are perpendicular to each other. the other. The parts of the rod 35b and the rod 45 in contact are threaded so that the rotation of one causes the rotation of the other.

Consequently, the motor 34 controls the rotation of the rod parts 35a, 35b which drive the hook 18, the projection 43 and the arm pivot axes 14, 15. Thus the locking of the roof elements 2-4 on the arms 14, 15, of the front roof element 2 on the upright of the windshield 16 and the pivoting of the arms 14, 15 are controlled by the same motor 34.

Such an arrangement is also applicable to any other type of retractable roof comprising pivoting arms and in particular to the retractable roof described in patent DE 44 35 222 in which the arms are mounted on an intermediate element of the roof.

The arms 14, 15 could also be locked at the rear of the windshield 16 according to known locking means, controlled by rods 17 and comprising hook locking fingers 18 cooperating with fixed fingers secured to the rear of the windscreen 16. Such an arrangement is described in document FR-A-2 820 692. Common motor means could also be used to drive the arms and cause the roof to be locked and unlocked. The presence of arms 14, 15 independent of the front 2 and intermediate roof elements 3, 4 makes it possible to move only the front roof element 2 or the front 2 and intermediate roof elements 3 or else front 2 and intermediate roof elements 3, 4 so as to provide the vehicle with a sunroof.

It can be seen in FIG. 12, in comparison with FIG. 4, that it is possible here to choose the inclination of the rear roof element, for example to increase the opening height of the boot. Depending on this inclination, the respective lengths of the other elements may vary to some extent. Referring to Figures 13-14 and according to another embodiment of retraction of roof elements 2-5 in the rear trunk of the vehicle, the front roof elements 2 and intermediate 3, 4 are provided on each lateral side with two sliding fingers 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b. Each arm 14, 15 is provided on its inner side in the covering position with six sections 22-27 of sliding slides intended to guide the sliding fingers. The six slide sections extend from the end of the arm 14, 15 comprising the axis of rotation A, B. Each slide section 22-27 extends to an arm point located on the upper arm.

Each slide section 22-27 has two parts. The first part of the slide section extends substantially horizontally from the end of the arm 14, 15 comprising the axis of rotation A, B. The second part of length much less than the length of the first part rises in a steep slope from the horizontal to the point of the arm 14, 15.

The slide sections 22-27 are superimposed, the longest having the second portion of the lowest section, the shortest having the second portion of the highest section.

In the overlapping position, the slide sections 22-27 of the arms 14, 15 extend into slide sections 28-33 placed in the inner part of the rear element 5 so as to form six slides in which the guides can be guided. fingers of the front roof elements 2 and rear 5. In a mode not shown in which the number of roof elements is different, the number of runners is adapted to the number of roof elements.

When the roof is retracted, the front roof element 2 thanks to its fingers slides under the intermediate element 3 which slides under the intermediate element 4 which itself slides in the rear element 5. The movements of the rear element 5 and arms 14, 15 are the same as in the embodiment in which the front 2 and intermediate elements 3, 4 comprise levers.

As in the previous embodiment, in the row position shown in FIG. 8, space is saved since the front roof elements 2 and intermediate 3, 4 take up minimal space in the rear roof element 5. The The sunroof thus produced has a wide variety of positions and one or more of the roof elements can be produced using a window pane.

If we now turn to Figures 15 and following, we note in Figures 15 to 18 the retractable sunroof shown has three roof elements (or panels) "central" 100,300,500 mounted sliding on a slide 700 and an element ( or part) of the rear roof (rear window) 900 mounted on a tilt-and-slide arrangement by an arm 110 connected to the chassis 130 (also called “structure” of the vehicle 150) and a slide 170 pivotally mounted on said structure 130, along an axis 170a transverse to the longitudinal direction 190 of advance of the vehicle. The slide 170 thus rocks with the trunk 590 when it is articulated with respect to the structure of the vehicle to open (only) from rear to front (see dotted line 170 in figl5).

Hereinafter, as central roof elements (or panels), the roof elements mounted on the slide 700 and as the rear roof element the tilting rear window 900 (provided with the rear window glass 900 ′) will be described.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 21, the front central roof element 100 is slidably mounted on a first groove 210 of the slide 700. A second intermediate central roof element 300 is slidably mounted on a second groove 230 of this slide and a third rear central roof element 500 is mounted on a third groove 250 of the same slide. When they open towards the rear (ARR), the central roof elements are superimposed on each other in such a way that the front central roof element 100 comes to be placed above the element intermediate central roof 300 which is placed itself on the element 500 (figl5). The slide 700 is fixed to the structure 130, laterally along fixed roof bars 800 (FIG. 21) extending longitudinally at least along the lateral edges of the opening 108 made in the roof of the vehicle to house the sunroof 120 The front central roof element 100 is mounted on the first groove 210 of the slide 700. On the front edge 100a of the front central roof element is located a hook element 270 (fig20). The front central roof element is driven towards the rear by known means which may consist of flexible motorized cables. The front central roof element is engaged in the first groove 210 of the slide by two slides 290, 310 spaced by an axial distance L. The first slide 290 located furthest from the front roof element is engaged in a deflection 210a (corresponding to an accentuation of the slope of the groove 210) oriented towards the front of the vehicle and downwards. This deviation is located at the front end of the first groove 210 of the slide. The second slide 310 located furthest back from the front roof element is also engaged in a second rear deflection 210b of the same orientation as the first and distant from the latter of the same length L above. When the front central roof is driven rearward, it is shifted upward by the orientation of the first (front) deflection 210a, as well as the orientation of the rear deflection 210b. The curvature of the groove 210 then allows the front roof element 100 to pass over the roof element 300. When the roof element 100 slides backwards, the slider 290 moves in the groove 210 and, at the deflection 210b, this slider moves on a rocking lever 690 then in the tilted down position (dotted figl9 ), until this lever is tilted upwards so that its rear part 690b closes the upper end of the deflection 210a, after the slider 310 has already left it. It is understood that this selective guidance system with tilting lever is reproduced at the location of the other rear deviations 230b and 250b, on either side of the roof opening and in connection with the corresponding slides 350 and 390. In addition , during deployment of the roof panels to their closed position above the passenger compartment, the reverse path of the front sliders of each panel operates the return tilting of the levers concerned, before engagement of the associated rear sliders in the corresponding deviations.

The intermediate central roof element is mounted on the second groove 230 of the slide 700 by two slides 330,350 spaced apart by a length L. The first slide 330 located furthest from the roof element 3 is engaged in a deflection 230a oriented towards the front of the vehicle and downwards. This deviation 230a is located at the front end of said second groove 230. The second slide 350 located furthest back from the intermediate roof element is also engaged in a second deviation 230b of the same orientation as the first and distant from the latter of the same length L already mentioned. When the intermediate central roof is driven rearward by the front central roof element 100, it is shifted upward by the orientation of the first deviation 230a, as well as the orientation of the second deviation 230b . The curvature of the corresponding groove 230 then allows the passage of the intermediate central roof element 300 above the rear central roof element 500.

The roof element 500 is mounted on a third groove 250 of the slide 700 by two slides 370,390 spaced apart by a length L. The first slide 370 located furthest from the rear roof element is engaged in a deflection 250a oriented towards the front of the vehicle and downwards. This deviation is located at the front end of said third groove 250 of the slide. The second slider 390 located furthest behind the rear roof element is also engaged in a second deviation 250b of the same orientation as the first and distant from the latter of the same length L above. When the rear central roof 500 is driven rearward by the central front roof elements 100 and intermediate 300, it is shifted upwards thanks to the orientation of the first deflection 250a, as well as to the orientation of said second deflection 250b, making it possible to offset the roof element 500 to the top. The front edge 300a of the intermediate central roof element 300 comprises an arm 410 (also fig. 20) extending downward and comprising, at its lower end, a finger or a roller 430. When the front central roof element arrives horizontally above the roof element 300 (figl7), the hook 270 located on the front edge 100a of the front central roof element comes to bear on said finger. The hook then drives this roof element 300 backwards and shifts it upwards along the two deviations 230a and 230b, to allow the passage of the intermediate central roof element above the central roof element rear 500, the curvature of the slide 700 which extends upwards also ensuring the passage of the roof element 100 above the roof element 500. Once the central roof elements 100,300,500 superimposed substantially horizontally one on top of the other (figsl5 and 18) the rear roof element 900 is driven by the arm 110 towards the rear, thus making it possible to shift upwards the front edge 900a of this roof element and thus to allow passage central roof elements. The front edge 500a of the rear central roof element 500 comprises an arm 450 (figl6) extending downward and comprising, at its lower end, a finger or roller 470. When the intermediate central roof element 300 arrives horizontally above the rear central roof element, the hook 490 situated on the front edge 300a of the intermediate central roof element bears on said finger 470. The hook then drives rearward the roof element 500 and shifts it upwards along the two deviations 250a and 250b, to allow the upward shift of the rear roof element 500.

The central roof elements will then be driven along the slide 700 and along the pivoting slide 510 in a substantially vertical position in the boot or the storage space 530 located behind the seats 550 of the rearmost vehicle of the passenger compartment 570. The movable slide 510 extends along the seat backs 550, in this first position for vertical storage of the roof elements 100,300,500. Once these central roof elements are stored vertically, the rear roof element 900 will tilt backwards from its high position above the rear of the passenger compartment to its position stored in space 530, by l arm 110 drive guided by the slide 170 to come to be positioned in a substantially horizontal position (reference 900 in dotted lines in figl5). The central roof elements 100,300,500 are then in their substantially vertical position on the second slide 510 pivotally mounted on the chassis 130. This second slide thus makes it possible to pivot the central roof elements from a first storage position (here substantially vertical) to a second storage position (here substantially horizontal) which can be located in a bottom clearance 610 from the floor 630 of the boot, opposite the storage space 530 (so-called substantially horizontal low position corresponding to the mark A in FIG. 5) . The second slide 510 is articulated in this case to the structure 130 by an axis of rotation 650 transverse to the longitudinal axis 190 of the vehicle located on the lower end 510a of said second pivoting slide.

It is also possible to pivot the roof elements 100,300,500 stored in their first position, towards a second different storage position, here substantially horizontal under the rear window 9000, then itself in substantially horizontal storage position (said then substantially horizontal high position corresponding to mark B in fig 15). The second slide 510 is then articulated to the frame 130 by an axis of rotation 670 transverse to the longitudinal axis 130 located on the upper end 510b of the pivoting slide 510. By a system of locks not shown, it would also be possible to make pivot the roof elements, stored in their first substantially vertical position, in one or the other of said second high or low storage positions, by providing on the slide 510 the two pivot axes 650,670 and by acting selectively on the either lock. Selective means, such as a switch 200 'linked to a cable 201' and to a motor 203 'itself connected to the slide part 510 concerned, make it possible to control at will the movement of the parts concerned of the roof between their positions vertical and horizontal storage. It is also possible to tilt the rear seat backrest 550 forwards into a substantially horizontal position (see reference 550 in dotted lines in FIG. 5), thus making it possible to further increase the volume of the boot. We could even consider the solution of a second slide such as 510 secured to the swivel seat back forward and thereby positioning the roof elements stored in a substantially horizontal position above the seat back.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 24, the front roof element 100 is superimposed on the intermediate roof element and the front and intermediate roof elements are superimposed on the rear roof element as described in relation to figl5.

The principle of lifting a roof to allow its displacement over another in a superimposed position will be described in relation to the lifting of the intermediate roof element 300 passing over the rear roof element 500 The intermediate roof element 300 is slidably mounted in the second groove 230 of the slide 700. This intermediate roof element is engaged in this groove 230 by two slides 710,730. These two slides are secured to the roof element 300 by a bent arm (or lever) 750 belonging to a group of front levers. This arm is articulated to the roof element 300 by an axis 770 of rotation transverse to the longitudinal axis 190.

The first bent arm 750 is located on the front edge 300a of the intermediate roof element and a second bent, articulated arm (or lever) 790 is located on the rear edge 300b of the intermediate roof element 300. For the panel 300, the articulated arm 790 belongs to a group of rear levers. When this roof element is in its closed position and tilted down to be at the same level as the front 100 and rear 500 roof elements, the slides 710,730 of the front elbow 750 are engaged in the deflection 230a. The front part of the intermediate roof element 300 is then in its low position (fig22). Other slides 810 and 830 linked to the bent arm 790 located on the rear edge 300b of the roof element 300 are also engaged in the second (rear) deflection 230b. Thus, when the slides 810,830 are engaged in the deviation 230b, the rear part of the intermediate roof element is always in its low position. A pivoting element, or tilting lever, 850 nevertheless makes it possible to guide the passage of the slides 710,730 above the deflection 230b, both in the opening and closing directions of the intermediate roof element. This same pivoting element also makes it possible to guide the passage of the slides 810, in the same deviation 230b. The pivoting means 850 is articulated around an axis 790a transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is located on the upper edge 230 'of the groove 230. The rocker 850 has three guide surfaces 850a, 850b, 850c. A first surface 850a makes it possible to guide the slides 810, 830 in the deviation 230b. the surface 850b guides the passage of the slides 710,730 above this same deviation 230b both when the intermediate roof element slides forward and backward. As for the third surface 850c, it allows, with its bent front edge 850d passing through the opening 860 of the slide 230 and when the intermediate roof element slides forward, to tilt the lever 850 across the slide and positioning the surface 850a in its high position in FIGS. 22 and 23, in order to allow the engagement of the slides 810, 830 of the rear elbow 790 in the said second deflection 230b (fι _g 22).

When the front, intermediate and rear roof elements are in their closed position, substantially aligned one behind the other, they are locked by sliding means integral with the structure 130 of the vehicle. In the example shown, locking hooks 100 ', 101', 103 'lock at least one slide (310,350,390) of each roof element. These three hooks are driven, from front to rear or vice versa, to allow the locking or unlocking of the roof elements, by a rod 105 which moves parallel to the slide 700. This rod is itself driven by known means such as one or more flexible cables. The first hook 100 of length d located furthest forward of the rod locks the second slider 310 furthest back from the front central roof element, which is engaged in the second deflection 210b of the first groove.

The second hook 101 of greater length (2d for example) located substantially in the middle of the rod 105 locks the second slider 350 furthest back from the intermediate central roof element 500, which is engaged in the deflection 230b.

The third hook 103 of length, for example 3d, located substantially behind the first and second hooks of the rod, comes to lock the second slider 390 furthest back from the rear central roof element 500, which is engaged in the second deflection 250b of the third groove. When the front central roof element 100 slides on the rear to overlap with the roof element 300, the first hook will unlock the second slide of the front central roof element, by moving a length d backwards. The central and rear central roof elements then remain in the position of locking with respect to the slide by the second and third locking hooks. The reasoning is the same during the superposition of two then the three central roof elements, this last step allowing the storage of the roof elements in the rear storage space. In the above, one or more elements or rigid roof panels may be concerned in addition to the rear window (marked for the record 5 in figl and 900 on the fιgl5) and it is quite clear that the mechanism of Figures 22 to 24 is not reserved for a roof with pivoting arms as in the first figures.

Claims

1. Retractable roof for a vehicle, comprising at least one front roof element (2) and one rear roof element (5), these at least two elements (2-5) being movable between a covering position in which they cover the vehicle interior and a storage position in the rear boot of the vehicle,

2. Retractable roof according to claim 1, characterized in that the roof also comprises two pivoting arms (14, 15).

3. Retractable roof according to claim 2, characterized in that the arms (14, 15) are pivotally mounted on the rear element (5) of the roof between the covering position where they extend between the front end of the 'rear element (5) and the rear of the windshield (16) on either side and along the front roof element (2), and the storage position where they overlap transversely to the symmetry plane of the vehicle.

4. retractable roof according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises at least one intermediate roof element (3, 4), the arms

(14, 15) extending, in the covering position, on either side and along the front (2) and intermediate (3, 4) roof elements.

5. Retractable roof according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the arms (14, 15) are pivotable along axes of rotation (A, B) not parallel.

6. Retractable roof according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the front (2) and intermediate (3, 4) roof elements comprise first means for locking said elements on the arms.

7. retractable roof according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that each arm (14, 15) comprises second locking means (17, 18) of said arm on the windshield (16).

8. Retractable roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement of the rear element (5) is controlled on the one hand by a slide (7) extending inside the rear trunk in which is engaged a finger (6) secured to the rear part of the rear element (5) on the other hand by a lever arm

(9) pivoting articulated at a fixed point (10) of the vehicle body and articulated to said rear element (5).

9. Retractable roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front element (2) is connected to the intermediate element (3, 4) by at least two levers (12a, 12b, 13 a, 13 b ) articulated to said front element (2) and to said intermediate element (3, 4) and in that the intermediate element (3, 4) is connected to the rear element (5) by at least two levers (l ia, 11b ) articulated to said intermediate element (3, 4) and to said rear element (5).

10. Retractable roof according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that two series of superimposed side rails for the front (2) and intermediate (3, 4) roof elements extend along the arms (14, 15) and along the two inner lateral parts of the rear element (5) in the covering position.

11. Retractable roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

- one of the front and rear roof elements comprises a group of front levers and a group of rear levers mounted articulated with respect to this roof element, to switch between: * a low position in which the element concerned is substantially flush a surrounding part of the vehicle structure,

* and a high position in which said element concerned is offset in height relative to the level of its flush position, and

- the groups of levers engage guides extending essentially substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction, these guides being adapted for:

* during the controlled movement from front to rear of the groups of levers, guide their tilting from the flush position of the corresponding element to its offset position, * and, during the controlled movement from the rear to the front of these same groups of levers, guide their tilting from the offset position of the corresponding element to its flush position.

12. Retractable roof according to claim 11, characterized in that the guides of the levers equipping the roof element (s) concerned advantageously comprise slides in which these lever groups slide, the slides having locally deviations extending obliquely to the horizontal and relative to said longitudinal direction, over a length sufficient to receive, individually, part of one of said lever groups (s), so that once engaged in these deviations, the groups of levers concerned pass, by pivoting, from one of their high or low positions towards the other.

13. retractable roof according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that each guide or slide in which / which slides the roof element concerned has, along its length, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, at least a first directed forward inclination downwards and a second rear inclination also directed downwards, these front and rear inclinations being spaced longitudinally by a distance corresponding to the longitudinal spacing between the front and rear levers of the roof element concerned, so that the levers can either engage in this position of the roof element in the lower position, or disengage from it when sliding this element towards the rear, access by one of the rear levers to the second rear tilt corresponding being conditioned by the position of a rocker placed in the slide and which:

: * in a first position, prohibits access to the second rear tilt and therefore imposes a sliding of the roof element in the high position,

* and in a second inclined position, across the slide, allows the rear lever of the roof element to enter or exit the second rear inclination.

14. Retractable roof according to claim 13, characterized in that:

a front portion of each rocker preferably extends, and rocker, under the slide, in front of the second rear tilt, this front portion having a front edge bent upward which passes, during a tilting, through an opening formed in the slide to cooperate with the front lever of the roof element concerned.

- And a rear portion of each rocker has a lower surface defining part of the contour of said second rear tilt, in the tilted position of the rocker.

15. Retractable roof according to one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that it comprises motor means (34, 35), first means for locking the pivoting arms (14, 15) on the amount of the barrier vehicle breeze and second means for locking at least the front roof element (2) on the pivoting arms (14, 15), the first and second means for locking and pivoting the arms (14, 15) being controlled by the same motor means (34) such as an electric motor.

16. retractable roof according to claim 15, characterized in that the first and second locking means are controlled by drive rods

(35a, 35b) extending inside the arms (14, 15) driven in rotation by the motor means (34).

17. Retractable roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement of the rear element (5) is controlled on the one hand by a slide (7) extending inside the rear trunk in which is engaged a finger (6) secured to the rear part of the rear element (5) on the other hand by a pivoting lever arm (9) articulated at a fixed point (10) of the vehicle body and articulated to said element rear (5).

18. Retractable roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, this roof comprising at least one intermediate roof element (3, 4), the front element (2) is connected to the intermediate element (3, 4) by at least two levers (12a, 12b, 13 a, 13 b) articulated to said front element (2) and to said intermediate element (3, 4) and in that the intermediate element (3, 4) is connected to the rear element (5) by at least two levers (l ia, 11b) articulated to said intermediate element (3, 4) and to the rear element (5).

19. Retractable roof according to one of claims 2 to 22, characterized in that, this roof comprising at least one intermediate roof element (3, 4), two series of superimposed side rails for the front roof elements (2) and intermediate (3, 4) extend along the arms (14, 15) and along the two inner lateral parts of the rear element (5) in the covering position.

20. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a retractable roof according to one of the preceding claims.